Life after the Jump

For the last year or so, I've been in a season where I feel like I'm learning things about the Lord with rapid pace. At times, my brain can barely keep up with my heart, and vice versa! 2010 was a year of huge, life changing events that only God could've ordained and orchestrated. Lot's of jumping off that high dive and feeling the amazing rush of total fear and total trust all at the same time. Lots of prayers, tears, and stretching, that at times, was literally physically and emotionally exhausting.

And a whole lotta faith.

Many adoptive parents experience the "let down" after they come home with their children. Similar to after giving birth. There is no longer the anticipation of documents, the never ending packing lists, the constant worries about whether your child is healthy and being loved, and the list goes on...of course, you're HOME and that is a very, very good place to be...but still...it is often a very emotional time as you now learn to adjust and navigate the waters of adoptive parenting.

In the Christian life, things can go very similarly. God asks you, commands you, to step out in faith. To be at a place of total surrender, total trust.

And so you decide to take the leap...you jump just like He said too, and you feel the RUSH of that "place" with the Lord. (And to be honest, it's quite addicting.) And as you land in that deep water, you realize that some of that "thrill" is gone...and you have to figure out what it means to navigate life out here there the deep.

Because life is not lived in the jumping...it's lived in the landing.

And the same faith that got your toes off that high dive is the same faith that will allow you to get up every morning and live that life that He has called you and I too.

What does that look like?

It means:
1. Staying in the Word. Everyday. everyday. Hebrews 4:12)
2. Staying on your knees. Literally if you need too. Being in constant conversation with the Lord. (Col. 4:2)
3. Surrounding yourself with people who will challenge and encourage you. For someone who has to be reminded that she needs people, this one is very difficult for me. But it's essential and you'll only know how much you need it when you experience it. (Hebrews 3:13)

When you're living it, the jump seems like the hardest thing you'll have to endure. Just the very act of saying "yes" to what God's called you too, appears to be the toughest thing. But then you learn that the saying yes part? That seems so easy, now.

Hard is the daily.

Living it out.

Good news is...God hasn't changed. He's still the God that called you and He's the God that can and will empower you to do everything He's called you too.


"Because in the middle of our circumstances...

the ticking of the clock,

the spinning of the wheels,

there is one deepest fear.

It's that we won't be enough; we'll falter under the weight of it all.

Friend, it isn't true. Hear words of grace instead...

You are enough in Him

because He is enough in you."

And He'll give you the power and grace to care for that child's needs. And minister to those He has called you to. And get up every morning, with JOY and anticipation of what the day holds. And you'll learn to see Him from a slower vantage point than that fast, rush off that board. You'll learn to see Him in the piles of dishes, learn to worship Him on that 10 minute drive to the grocery store, and anticipate Him showing up in the carpool line.

Because one day, He's going to ask you to jump again. And based on how well you've done this time, the next diving board may be even higher. *gulp*

But because of the things you have learned in those deep waters, you'll surprise yourself just how fast you can scurry up that ladder!

Trust in Him at all times...pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:8